One of the reasons I enjoyed working for MasterCard was the camaraderie between my colleagues and the way the departments were able to interact with each other. I also felt comfortable with knowing that if I needed to talk to Management about something, that the door was always open. I liked that they had plenty of resources available to increase your knowledge base, and they encouraged self improvement as well as career development. Management was quite flexible with time off and I saw in most cases they were willing to work with you if you needed something, be it advice, assistance, whatever.

Cons

The only real downside about working at MasterCard was that there seemed to be frequent reorganizations. It makes for tense management, in my opinion. Some other downsides were the political aspect of working in certain departments, but you will find that in any office. As with any and everything else, it all starts with the people.

Flexibility of the work environment, management strategy for driving the business forward, clear and actionable goals. It is great to work with people who know what they are doing and have a passion for their job.

Cons

Location, location, location. Although corporate headquarters are in New York, the primary location for a large portion of the staff is in St Louis Missouri.

People skills of most managers is lacking. Movement to senior ranks is near impossible for insider. You can make a long career for yourself by hiding in the weeds and not being a leader on a project. Many peope in ride coattails of a few very talented high performers.

Great People - wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, very approachableWork/Life Balance - Plenty of paid time off, ability to take community service daysCompany is Small - Greater responsibilities up front, wide scopeIndustry Impact - MasterCard doesn't just work in an industry; it is part of a few that control it. The industry is constantly changing, though, so constant learning is available.Variety of Work - Not just within a role, there are a very wide variety of roles in the company, allowing employees to transfer laterally.Campus - Purchase is a beautiful area, and the HQ campus is no exception.Reputation and Brand - Working for a globally renowned brand? Priceless.

Cons

Culture is Still Changing - Some people still act in silos, sometimes making work redundant or difficult. Still, have pool table, ping pong table, etc.Company is Small - Sometimes there is lack of clear responsibility division.Slow to Action - For a such a relatively small company, MasterCard seems to be slow to adapt to the changing payments landscaping.

Advice to Management

Ajay's passion, vision, and rallying call isn't translated down the ranks very well. We are confronted with the idea that there we are in a "war on cash," but the value of that isn't described. It affects internal productivity, retention, and recruiting. If we really want to have the persona, work, and status of one of the top payments technology payments companies in the world (which we are) then management MUST make that clear in words and action.

Company Updates

Mastercard jointly announced with Governor Andrew Cuomo that it will add to its New York state operations with the expansion of its New York City Technology Hub. http://glassdoor.com/slink.htm?key=vQLsG